gee whiz

¹ American  

interjection

Informal.

1. gee.

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gee-whiz ² American  

[jee-hwiz, -wiz] / ˈdʒiˈʰwɪz, -ˈwɪz /

adjective

Informal.

1. arousing or characterized by surprise, wonder, or triumphant achievement.

   a gee-whiz technology; a gee-whiz reaction to the sight of the Grand Canyon.

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gee-whiz British  

adjective

1. informal impressive or amazing

   gee-whiz special effects

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gee whiz Idioms  

1. An expression of surprise, dismay, or enthusiasm. For example, Gee whiz, Dad, I thought you'd let me borrow the car, or Gee whiz, they finally won the Series! This term is thought to be a euphemism for “Jesus Christ.” [Slang; 1870s]

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Etymology

Origin of gee whiz¹

1880–85, apparently euphemistic alteration of Jesus, with final syllable replaced by whiz ¹

Origin of gee-whiz²

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

I said, gee, whiz, I mean, I thought, I thought, that the world would come to an end.

From Scientific American • Apr. 6, 2023

It seems fleeting at first, but gee whiz — it actually works out for these two!

From Washington Post • Jul. 29, 2019

In all of those towns, and this was way pre-Trump, I think the main thing that struck us, after we got over the kind of gee whiz factor.

From Slate • May 2, 2018

We may have more gee whiz features, but essential functions haven’t radically changed. 

From Forbes • Jan. 23, 2013

I know what we can do," said Pee-wee, "because, gee whiz, we've got to have exercise, that's one sure thing.

From Pee-Wee Harris Adrift by Fitzhugh, Percy Keese